Google for Startups and Antler India today announced the launch of Google for Startups Immersion, a two-phase hybrid program in Bengaluru for founders, CTOs, and technical leads building AI-led companies in India.
The program is designed for startups that already have a live product and verified traction, with a focus on improving how they build and scale AI systems. Google for Startups will lead the technical curriculum, while Antler India will handle the venture and business track.
Program structure: Two-phase format
The initiative runs in two phases, combining a large-scale online learning program with an in-person immersion for selected startups. It is designed to bring together technical training and venture-focused guidance within a structured program format.
Phase 1 — Online Immersion
The first phase will bring together up to 5,000 founders across India through four virtual sessions conducted over two weeks.
The technical track, led by Google for Startups, focuses on hands-on learning and real-world implementation of AI tools. The venture track, led by Antler India, focuses on business strategy, market positioning, and investment readiness in the evolving AI ecosystem.
Key focus areas include:
- AI Studio
- Antigravity
- Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform
- AI investment landscape
- Unit economics
- Startup defensibility in current funding conditions
Phase 2 — Offline Immersion
The second phase will take place at Google’s Bengaluru office and will feature selected startups from the online cohort.
The selection process begins with a joint review by Google and Antler India, followed by the shortlisting of around 50 startups for rapid interviews. From this, 25 to 30 startups will be selected for the offline program.
The offline immersion will include live architecture whiteboarding sessions with Google Cloud Customer Engineers, along with 1:1 mentoring sessions with Antler India focused on go-to-market strategy, pricing, and fundraising. It will also include an informal fireside chat and a founder networking session.
Eligibility and structure
The program is open to founders, CTOs, and technical leads who already have a working product in the market. It is not designed for idea-stage startups or teams without a deployed product.
Eligible participants must have a live MVP and verifiable traction, as the program focuses on applied AI development rather than early-stage ideation.
The structure includes:
- A technical track for engineering and product teams
- A business track for founders and go-to-market leaders
Selection for the offline phase will depend on how clearly startups apply the tools and concepts from the online sessions to real-world AI use cases.
Key Dates and Availability
- Applications open: May 8, 2026
- Applications close: May 22, 2026
- Online sessions: June 2, 4, 9, 11, 2026
- Offline shortlist announcement: June 15, 2026
- Offline immersion: June 26, 2026 (Google Ananta, Bengaluru)
Applications are currently open via the co-branded program page. Startups must apply before the deadline, after which shortlisted teams will be contacted for the next stage of selection.
Speaking on the announcement, Ragini Das, Head – Google for Startups, India, said:
The Google for Startups Immersion is designed for founders who are already building and want to go deeper on implementation. We want to help strong technical teams work more closely with Google’s AI tools and infrastructure, while also giving them access to the business perspective they need to scale.
Commenting on the announcement, Nitin Sharma, Partner, Antler India, said:
India’s AI moment is finally here. We are now emerging as the world’s next exciting ecosystem to build for all layers of the AI stack. The talent is exceptional and the ambition is increasingly global. Through our Residency programs, Antler has worked with founders from Day Zero, from validating an idea through to the first investment. The Google for Startups Immersion extends that philosophy: we are meeting founders where they already are, including those with a live product and real traction, and helping them build game-changing ventures.